Software QA Engineer

Overview

Software QA Engineer in the Quality Engineering organization, validating next-generation Catalyst 9000 switching platforms and software features through comprehensive testing, automation, and AI-assisted validation methodologies. The role collaborates with engineering, product management, architecture, customer support, and field teams to ensure product quality.

What you'll do

• Define and drive test strategies for Catalyst 9000 switching platforms across functional, scale, performance, resiliency, interoperability, and security domains.
• Design, develop, and maintain scalable test automation frameworks using Python and modern automation technologies.
• Lead end-to-end validation of Layer 2, Layer 3, security, management, and platform software features.
• Develop automated test suites for feature validation, regression testing, system integration testing, upgrade testing, and customer deployment scenarios.
• Collaborate with software developers, architects, and product managers to understand feature requirements and define validation plans.
• Leverage AI-assisted development tools such as GitHub Copilot, Codex, Claude, and VS Code extensions to improve automation productivity, test coverage, and engineering efficiency.
• Build and enhance CI/CD-based validation pipelines for continuous testing and faster release cycles.
• Perform root-cause analysis of networking and software issues using protocol-level debugging and packet analysis tools.
• Drive quality metrics, risk assessments, defect prevention initiatives, and release readiness reviews.
• Mentor team members on networking technologies, automation best practices, troubleshooting techniques, and quality engineering methodologies.
• Partner with customer support and field teams to reproduce customer issues and validate software fixes.

What you'll need

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Computer Science, Electronics, Information Technology, or a related field.
• 1+ years of experience in Software QA, System Validation, or Network Testing.
• Strong experience testing enterprise switching and networking products.
• Hands-on expertise with Layer 2 switching, including VLANs, VTP, STP, RSTP, MST, EtherChannel, and LACP.
• Hands-on expertise with Layer 3 routing, including IPv4, IPv6, ARP, DNS, DHCP, OSPF, EIGRP, BGP, VRF, multicast, ACLs, QoS, AAA, RADIUS, and TACACS+.
• Hands-on expertise with high availability and redundancy features.
• Experience validating network security features including 802.1X, MACsec, TrustSec, Port Security, DHCP Snooping, Dynamic ARP Inspection, and IP Source Guard.
• Strong automation experience using Python.
• Hands-on experience with REST APIs, NETCONF, RESTCONF, YANG, JSON, and YAML.
• Experience using automation and testing frameworks such as PyTest, Robot Framework, or equivalent.
• Strong Linux fundamentals including scripting, troubleshooting, and system administration.
• Experience with virtualization and container technologies such as VMware, KVM, Docker, or Kubernetes.
• Proficiency with Git and modern software development workflows.
• Strong troubleshooting experience using Wireshark, tcpdump, Ixia, Spirent, and network protocol analyzers.
• Strong analytical, debugging, and end-to-end solution validation skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Details

• Location: Bangalore, India.